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Monroe County Election Board tables delinquency notices and amends campaign-filing policy
Summary
The election board voted to table delinquent campaign finance notices to the March meeting and unanimously approved a clarifying amendment to the board's delinquent-filing policy to allow fee waivers under Indiana Code when the full board finds a fee unjust.
The Monroe County Election Board on Feb. 6 voted to table delinquency notices related to campaign-finance filings until its March meeting and adopted a clarifying amendment to the county's campaign-filing policy to reflect an existing statutory waiver process.
What the board did: Members moved and seconded a motion to table the set of delinquency notices (including first-, second- and third-offense language provided by state materials) until the board's March meeting; the motion carried on a voice vote.
Policy amendment: The board then considered clarifying language proposed by Molly (Molly Turner King) to the campaign policy. Molly said the existing policy cites Indiana Code section 3-9-4-16(c), which "says shall impose a penalty," but that the board intended to reflect an additional statute, Indiana Code section 3-9-4-19, that permits the full board, by unanimous vote, to waive a fee if it finds the fee would be unjust. The board voted to amend the policy language and approved a resolution to attach the clarifying language; the motion was moved and seconded and passed by voice vote.
Why it matters: The amendment documents that the board retains the authority to waive fines for delinquent campaign filings when the entire board unanimously finds a fee unjust; the change clarifies how the board intends to use state statutes in its local enforcement and avoids automatic imposition of fines for first offenses.
Other campaign-finance details: Board staff described the notices as state-provided templates from campaign-finance handbooks. Staff noted that CFA-11 filings (a form required when a committee receives a contribution greater than $1,000) have historically been the matter that results in hearing notices. Staff also said the list under review includes about 12 committees that may have missed annual filings or have not provided courtesy copies to the county office; staff reported confirming at least one had filed with the state and delivered a courtesy copy the same day.
Next steps: The board will revisit the delinquency notices at its March meeting and will implement the amended policy language immediately; staff will follow up on late filers and schedule hearings if required under the county's procedures.
